In s On the Ground

Whether duffer or pro, LittleLeaguer or collegiate champion,every athlete wants to play on

perfect green grass that is soft andresilient, yet firm enough for good foot-ing. These same athletes also want a fieldthat is tough, wear-resistant and weed-free. Water management is a key compo-nent of good field design and mainte-nance.

Even the heartiest turfgrass can't main-tain its growth and resiliency without sup-plemental watering.

Some fields require more precisewatering than others. Fields that sustainintensive play or that support football,soccer and baseball need sand-based soilsto ensure good playing surfaces whileavoiding soil compaction. But sand-basedfields don't hold water or nutrients welland must be watered more frequentlywith smaller amounts of water. Thesefields also require smaller amounts of fer-tilizers applied more often. Fertilizers ornutrients may also be applied through anappropriately designed irrigation system.

Water may be applied to turfgrass inseveral ways to keep it green and resilientthroughout the growing season. Handwatering is an effective way to treat stress areas, but is most useful when usedin conjunction with an installed irrigation system.

Another external watering option is the use of sprinklers that pull them-selves on a hose or wire-traveling sprinklers. They are largely limited to verysmall areas of established turf as this method washes away grass seedlings dur-ing the grow-in phase. In addition, they require labor to move the equipmentto various field areas and must be watched to ensure that they move freely,avoid obstacles and are not subject to vandals.

In cases where soil is heavy or compacted, an automatic system is capable ofrunning multiple cycles to ensure water infiltration into the soils and percola-tion through the seedbed. Quick-cycling capability also is effective for newlyseeded or sodded fields and when turf needs to be syringed to affect evapora-

14 August 2003

• •1

•BY JAMES R. WATSON, PHD.

Photo by Paul Curtis

tive cooling during times of extreme heat and stress. Every field should beequipped with quick coupling valves around the field to allow hand wateringor syringing of turf and to provide emergency water.

Water management also includes conservation strategies. Only an automat-ic irrigation system provides fingertip controls that alter irrigation cycling,which will conserve water and apply it efficiently and uniformly. The systemalso may include a rain switch to shut off automatic sprinkling during rainfall.

Another consideration when choosing an irrigation method is response timeby support personnel. Missed watering cycles because of equipment failure canbe a deathblow to athletic turf. When selecting irrigation equipment, it'simportant to choose a reputable supplier that offers local field support to cus-tomers. (See page 16.)

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In s On the Ground

headed for ACCInJanuary 2003, Advanced Aeration

Systems (formerly Soil AirTechnology) installed a Turf

Warming system for Lane Stadium'sWorsham Field, home to Virginia Techfootball. The system heats and aerates theBermudagrass field, which is a warm sea-son grass in Blacksburg's cool season cli-mate. Blowers force air (either heated orambient) through the drainage systembeneath the field, which was constructedin 2001 using GreenTech ITM modules,and then up through the turf. The sys-tem was designed to keep theBermudagrass active through mid-November, to prevent winterkill duringcold winter months, and to provide anearly green-up in the spring.

The turf warming system can auto-matically control both the temperatureand soil gas composition of the field using Advanced Aeration's patentedSubsurface Soil Conditioning technology. Temperature and soil gas sensorsembedded within the root zone of the field provide continuous feedback to thesystem controls. If the field temperature or soil gases are not within their pro-grammed ranges, then the system turns on automatically. When the fieldreaches the desired temperature or soil gas levels, then the system turns off.Independent research has consistently shown that turfgrass quality decreaseswhen soil gases are outside optimal ranges.

The heaters modulate automatically to maintain a constant heated air tem-

perature to the field, regardless of ambientair temperature. In addition, the systemcan modulate both the air temperatureand flow rate to provide for a constantroot zone temperature, even as air temper-atures and field moisture levels change.

The system controller is linked viawireless technology to grounds managerCasey Underwood's computer. From hiscomputer, Casey can operate the systemand automatically collect system perfor-mance and field data, of which the soft-ware program can then generate graphsfor a visual assessment of the data.

Casey says "This system gives us anexcellent tool in the management ofTifsport in our climate. We are able toextend our growing season by a month inthe spring and a month in the fall and itgives us protection from winter injury. It

also allows us to exchange root zone gases without aerification and assistMother ature in the drying of the field. I have been pleased with the system.It provides greater management flexibility and security."

Virginia Tech also owns a portable electric Advanced Aeration blower,which it purchased in 2001, for suctioning water and air through the field.The portable blower and turf warming system work in concert to regulate fieldtemperature, moisture and soil gases.

Contact Advanced Aeration Systems at 561.625.3301 or via e-mail at gdal-ton@advancedaerationsystems.com.

Budget Basics,

,-

Football Fields: Focus funds on the end zones and the areabetween the hash marks. An automatic irrigation systemcould be installed for the end zone and center areas whereturf needs are greatest. An effective drainage system forthe entire field remains important.

Soccer Fields: Again, the goal area and center of the fieldare most crucial to play and the hardest to maintain. Anautomatic irrigation system in these areas maintains aviable field. Soccer fields should be as flat as possible, thusa subsurface drainage system is of great value and worththe investment for a dedicated soccer field.

-~--

Baseball Fields: Although the turf is in the outfield, thefocus on water management for baseball is on the infield.Proper drainage and an automatic irrigation system areessential to managing the skinned areas. The infieldrequires adequate water to avoid compaction that may leadto injuries. It is important to have clean, sharp edges atthe soil/grass interface. ST

James R. Watson, Ph.D., is vice president and agronomist forThe Toro Company and consults with sports field managersaround the world.

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In & On the Ground

Moredrainage solutionsLast month, AirField Systems provided

84,OOO-square feet drainage system foran international soccer event held atReliant Stadium, home of the HoustonTexans. The AirField drainage system,covered with thick cut Bermuda sod, wasdown for one week, constructed in 2 1/2days, and then rolled out and removedfor future use.

"We can take this system and use itagain and again," says Randy Price, salesdirector of Turfgrass America.

For sports teams, the state of the artdrainage system is a blessing.

"We had soccer, softball and baseballtournaments all on the same days inFebruary, all essentially side by side, and

soccer, because of its drainage system onthe field, was played while the other twowere cancelled by weather," Texas A & MDirector of Athletics Bill Byrne said ofhis women's soccer field, recently reno-vated with the AirField system.

The main difference between the oldand new playing fields is not what's onthe surface, but what's under it, A & Mofficials said. Using the AirField design,the sand-based field complete with ahighly efficient drainage system is capa-ble of handling over 3 inches of rain perhour.

For more information, contact AirfieldSystems at www.airfieldsystems.com or888-287 -965 7.

BATTERY-POWEREDVALVE SYSTEM

Hunter Industries has released a newbattery-powered wireless valve system forsites that do not have access to electricalpower. The WVC does not require electri-cal connections, and is available as sealed2-station or 4-station units. Each WVC(with antenna) can be installed to irriga-tion valves in minutes without special tools.

The WVC is fully submersible andwaterproof up to 12 ft., ensuring reliabilityin a muddy valve box environment.Vandalism is also minimiied with a below-ground installation.

Hunter Industries/760-744-5240For information, circle 057 orsee www.oners.ims.ca/2082-05 7

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In & On the Ground

FERTIGATION FOR TURFA totally enclosed and lockable fertigation unit designed for 3-30

acre applications that require a secured system to automatically feedthe property is available. Fertigationoffers quick recovery of turf damagedby play and other conditions byinjecting liquid fertilizers throughyour irrigation system, which canreduce other costs.

Turf Feeding Systems, Inc/800-728-4504For information, circle 063 orsee www.oners.ims.ca/2082-063

MULTI-FLOW DRAINAGEVaricore Technologies produces a 6-

in. version of the Multi-Flow drainagesystem. Six-inch Multi-Flow exposesmore surface area to surrounding soilsthan a 4-in. round pipe. This makes itvery efficient at collecting water. Becauseof its unobstructed, enclosed flow chan-nels, it yields better flow rates.

Varicore Technologies/800-978-8007For information, circle 064 orsee www.oners.ims.ca/2082-064

We built a reputationas the reliable manufac-turer of premium qualityfield paints 'and customstencils, as well as ten-nis and sport surfaces.Today we supply mosteverything you need tosupport all your athleticfacilities.

PUMPING SYSTEMFlowtronex' FloBoy systems are the

equipment of choice for small to mid-size lift, boost and wellpump applications. Every FloBoy comes in a prefabricated,skid-mounted package with all-weather marine-grade aluminumenclosures and superior control logic, making them the bestlong-life pumping solution available.

Flowtronex/800-7 86-7 480For information, circle 066 orsee www.oners.ims.ca/2082-066

NEW FILTERMiller-Leaman, Inc. is announcing the release of

their new innovative Turbo-Disc Filters. Aswater enters the housing, a high velocity spin-ning action occurs, spiraling heavier particles(particulate, sediment, etc.) away from the disccartridge, down to the base of the filter pod.Miller-Leaman/800-881-0320

For information, circle 059 orsee www.oners.ims.ca/2082-059

• Premium Field PaintsBulk and AerosolTurf ColorantsGraco and Trusco Stripers

• Graphic andLogo StencilsReid NumbersHash MarkersSports Reid Layout Systems

• Field Covers andWindscreens

• Tennis Court Coatings,Nets and Accessories

• Sports FieldAccessories

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In & On the Ground

SOIL AMENDMENTCaltrisal soil amendment overcomes salinity issues in soils by

solubilizing calcium in the soil and moving dessicating salts awayfrom the rootzone quickly and efficiently. Caltrisalcan be sprayed or injected, andcan be applied in conjunc-

tion with liquid fertilizers, C~a'UATaOLSI tmaking application a snap.

Aquatrols/856-751-0309For information, circle 096 orsee www.oners.ims.ca/2082-096

GLOBAL IRRIGATION SYSTEMSentinel offers field satellites that operate in stand-

alone mode with flow monitoring and sensor capabilityas standard features. You can use a hand-held radio andsatellite in stand-alone mode, without additional hard-ware. Exclusive to Toro, the hand-held can be used forvoice and data commands. Or, you can upgrade to acentral system without adding a middle manager oradditional field controller hardware.

Toro Irrigation/800-664-4 740For information, circle 131 orsee www.oners.ims.ca/2082-131

SPEEDIER INSTALL TIMESThe new SnapTap saddles from King

speed install times for swing joints,drains, and sprinkler heads by eliminat-ing need for glue and tools. SnapTapallows the saddles to cut efficientlythrough polyethylene pipe with apatented "cutting tip" for a tightseal every time. The installer willsee side location of the latch andhear it"snap" into place to visibly andaudibly confirm the connection is secure.

King Innovation/800-633-0232For information, circle 103 orsee www.oners.ims.ca/2082-103

AmdroFIRE ANT BAIT

FIle..,,,,,, Amdro Pro fire ant bait is the•••• --~~~;::::: fastest, most effective professional

product for the control of import-ed and native fire ants, and a variety of other ants. Moundtreatments or broadcast applications of Amdro Pro eliminatethe queen and her colony in 3-7 days.

BASF/919-547-2000For information, circle 072 orsee www.oners.ims.ca/2082-072

Because their definitionof "playable" will neverbe the same as yours.

Most sport facilities are often faced with very short periods oftime between sport seasons to get their fields "playable".

Typare Turf Blankets will enhance gennination and root growth,allowing for earlier usage and greater survival through seasons.

Call 800-455-3392

TURF BLANKETS

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22 August 2003

FertigationTurf Feeding Systems is the leader in golfand landscape fertigation systems - Worldwide

Six Models - Ten Capacifies- 3-50 acres

Call Today (800) 728-4504Turf Feeding Systems, Inc.

.i1IIimlJillIllIIIIB ~ TURFFEEDING. COM

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In s On the Ground

LONG BATTERY LIFE KITUsing the dependable technology of the SoloRain 8014

valve actuator, Nelson Turf introduces the 8096 PC LongBattery Life Kit for the SoloRainPC multi-station actuator line.Compatible with anySoloRain PC unit, this kitextends the normal batterylife up to 5 years.

Nelson Turfj800-622-8024For information, circle 075 orsee www.oners.ims.ca/2082-075

NEW ROTORK-Rain has introduced

the ProSportRotor, capableof covering a 43-67-ft. area.

The unit, available inheavy-duty plastic or stain-less steel, is packed with fea-tures: partial to a full 360degree coverage; a tripleport nozzle; patented EasyArc Set allowing for easyadjustment from the topwith a flat bade screwdriver;Arc Memory Clutch returnsthe rotor to its preset positionautomatically even afterbeing tampered with; patentedReversing Mechanism has more than a 20year history of uninterrupted reverse andreturn; and more.

K-Rain/561-775-9607For information, circle 068 orsee www.oners.ims.ca/2082-068

FIX DRAINAGE PROBLEMSUsing the non-invasive WaterWick sand

injection technique, TRW Enterprises cantailor a specific solution to your drainageproblems. The three-blade vibratory systeminjects a custom-blended sand-based veinfrom 5/8- to l-in. wide and up to 12 in. deep.Play can resume immediately after theprocess is complete.

TRW Enterprises/800-877-7103For information, circle 058

Patented

••TM

Hybrid BerllDa product of Greg Norman Turf Company.

GN-1 patented hybrid bermuda is the idealchoice for your athletic field, golf courseor residential play yard needs.

:"\:::4 Exceptional dark green color~. Excellent wear recovery..:k~ Good cold tolerance

-;.. Tolerant of high salinity soils/'~ Lower maintenance costs

·cProfessional·s Choice

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